In a major decision, Israel has approved the plan to conquer Gaza City and has decided to deploy 60,000 reservists to carry out the mission. Israel’s Defence Minister Israel Katz has confirmed the move amid the ceasefire talks. Israel’s Defence Minister, Israel Katz, increased the pressure on Hamas just as mediators trying to secure a ceasefire in the almost two-year conflict in Gaza awaited Israel’s formal reply to their latest proposal.
Qatar, which has been acting as a mediator, sounded cautiously hopeful about the newest plan. However, a senior Israeli official stressed that the government remains firm on its demand that all Israeli hostages be freed as part of any agreement. The proposal approved by Hamas includes a 60-day truce to start with, a phased release of hostages, the release of some Palestinian prisoners, and steps to allow humanitarian aid into Gaza.
Israel’s Plan To Replace Gazans
Israel last week announced plans to relocate Gaza City residents to southern Gaza, days after signaling a new offensive to seize control of the north. Egypt has reiterated its categorical rejection of any Israeli plans to displace Palestinians, warning that such moves would amount to ‘a historical injustice with no moral or legal justification’ and constitute ‘a heinous crime’.
Hamas’ Truce Proposal
Hamas has reportedly accepted a new ceasefire and hostage-release plan put forward by regional mediators in an effort to reach a deal with Israel. This proposal—crafted by Egypt and Qatar—appears to follow a framework originally suggested by U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff back in June.
Under the terms, Hamas would release roughly half of the 50 remaining hostages—about 20 of whom are believed to still be alive—in two phases during an initial 60-day pause in fighting. The plan also calls for talks on a possible long-term ceasefire.
Israel’s Gaza Assault
Since Hamas’ October 7, 2023 attack on southern Israel, which killed more than 1,200 people and saw about 250 hostages taken, Israel’s military campaign in Gaza has killed 61,944 Palestinians and wounded 155,886 others, Gaza health authorities said on Sunday. The authorities also reported that famine and malnutrition have caused 258 deaths, including 110 children, since the war began.
